Teacher Scholarships

The Leslie Bedder Scholarships are an opportunity for northeast Florida art educators to receive funds in order to facilitate their professional development.

Leslie Beddard was a well-known, well-respected, and much loved art teacher in the Duval County Public School System. He taught Ceramics at Mayport Middle School from 1981 until 1991, having the need to resign due to failing health.

Upon his death, Leslie left an amount of $5,000 to the Northeast Florida Art Education Association (then known as the Duval Art Teachers Association). It was Leslie’s wish the money would go to the Association to assist art teachers. For several years, the funds laid dormant in an account until the decision was made to begin using the funds to assist teachers in professional growth. Thus, the Leslie Beddard Scholarship. Knowing those funds could easily be depleted in one or two years, the Association came up with a plan to grow the scholarship through fundraising events such as the “Fabulous Florida Flamingo Fete”, the “Painterly Palette” raffles, and other events where art goods or services would provide a way to add additional dollars to the scholarship fund.

Since 2001, over $30,000 have been awarded to deserving teachers with an expansion to include student summer art camp participation. All of this made possible due to a seed planted by Leslie Beddard.

PURPOSE:

The Leslie Beddard Scholarship Fund was established upon the death of local county art teacher, Leslie Beddard. In his will, Mr. Beddard bequeathed $5000 to the Duval Art Teachers Association, now the Northeast Florida Art Education Association, in hopes that it would financially help art educators who were deserving of such assistance. In an effort to continue his wishes, the Northeast Florida Art Education Association has maintained funding through our various fundraising activities.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicant must be a member of the Northeast Florida Art Education Association (NeFAEA).

Application must be filled in completely, attaching any additional information that might assist in determining applicant’s eligibility.

Applicant must agree to supply NeFAEA with a summary* of the activity as well as an accounting of how the award was used (supply copies of receipts, please) when the activity has concluded.

Application must be received by the NeFAEA Review Board by Friday, April 27, 2018. Applications/nomination forms are to be sent to Debbie Scarborough: